Each crime can incur a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Under the terrorism provisions of the Criminal Code, any sentences must be served consecutively.

Dry cleaners raised alarm

Hersi is the first person to stand trial in Canada for offences related to the Criminal Code's Section 83.18, which makes it illegal to "knowingly participate" or "knowingly contribute" to "any activity of a terrorist group for the purpose of enhancing the ability of any terrorist group to facilitate or carry out a terrorist activity."

At trial, the prosecution said the 28-year-old, who was working as a security guard, intended to travel onward to Somalia to join al-Shabaab when he was arrested at Toronto's Pearson airport in 2011 bound for Cairo.

Hersi denied the allegations, saying he was going overseas to study Arabic for several months.

Hersi landed on police radar after a dry-cleaning shop discovered a USB key containing a copy of The Anarchist Cookbook, a 1970s manual for making explosives, as well as a Department of National Defence document in his work uniform. His employer reported it to authorities, who sent in an undercover agent to befriend and spy on Hersi.

Over many months, the undercover officer and Hersi hung out together, attended a Raptors basketball game and had frequent discussions that turned to politics, Somalia and al-Shabaab.

The police officer testified that Hersi told him he was planning on going to the East African country to join the militant group.

When Hersi testified in his own defence, he said it was the officer who announced an intention to join al-Shabaab.

The defence contended Hersi was entrapped by the undercover officer, and though he was a big talker, his comments were taken out of context and he never intended to become a jihadist.

To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted.

By submitting a comment, you accept that CBC has the right to reproduce and publish that comment in whole or in part, in any manner CBC chooses. Please note that CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments. Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.

Note: The CBC does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comments, you acknowledge that CBC has the right to reproduce, broadcast and publicize those comments or any part thereof in any manner whatsoever. Please note that comments are moderated and published according to our submission guidelines.